HC Deb 23 December 1964 vol 704 c1210
4. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will introduce legislation to abolish actions for restitution of conjugal rights.

Sir Eric Fletcher

No, Sir. Legislation on this subject would not be justified in the present state of Parliamentary business.

Mr. Lipton

Is my hon. Friend aware that that answer is beginning to sound a little hollow? Will he at least agree that the present procedure is quite obsolete and meaningless and serves no useful purpose whatsoever, and that although this item is not included in the last Labour Party manifesto, there is still some justification for dealing with it without further delay?

Sir E. Fletcher

This particular form of action is not entirely obsolete. It is used to some small extent. In 1963 there were some 38 cases. On any footing I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that this Measure does not call for a very high priority in the dynamic legislative programme of this Government.

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